Common Instrumentation Hazards in Petrochemical Plants: Identification and Rectification Guide - Just Measure it

Common Instrumentation Hazards in Petrochemical Plants: Identification and Rectification Guide

1. Major Instrumentation Hazards That Can Lead to Safety Violations

According to national standards and petrochemical safety protocols, the following are frequently cited as major safety hazards:

  1. Lack of gas detectors (flammable/toxic) at key emission sources.

  2. Incorrect selection of gas detectors—wrong gas type or specification.

  3. Gas detectors installed but not functioning: power failure, alarm suppression, severe drift, etc.

  4. Use of non-compliant or uncertified explosion-proof devices in hazardous areas.

  5. Absence of automated control or emergency shutdown systems in critical process units.

  6. Lack of emergency shut-off function in Class I/II hazardous chemical tank areas; absence of SIS for toxic or liquefied gases.

  7. Control rooms or cabinet rooms located in explosion-prone zones or violating fire separation regulations.

  8. No dual power supply or UPS backup for automation systems.

2. Hazard Identification and Correction – Explosion-Proof Compliance

2.1 Incomplete Explosion-Proof Certification

  • Requirement: Equipment must include an explosion-proof label with a certificate number from an authorized body (GB 50093-2013 §10.1.2).

  • Issue: Nameplate lacks the certification number.

  • Corrective Action: Replace or relabel with certified device.

2.2 Improper Cable Gland Sealing

  • Standard: Explosion-proof cable entries must use appropriate glands or sealing materials (GB 50093-2013 §10.1.3).

  • Common Faults:

    • One sealing hole used for two cables.

    • Unsealed spare openings.

    • Loose sealing components.

  • Corrective Action: Ensure each cable has an individual gland; plug unused holes with certified fittings.

2.3 Loose Bolting at Explosion-Proof Interfaces

  • Standard: Fasteners and anti-loosening components (spring washers, etc.) must be present and secure (GB 50257-2014 §4.2.1.4).

2.4 Improper Flexible Conduit Termination

  • Requirement: Flexible conduit between field instruments and enclosures must include drip loops and waterproof seals (GB 50093-2013 §7.4.8).

3. Hazard Identification and Correction – Installation Non-Conformities

3.1 Upward Cable Entry on Junction Boxes

  • Issue: Entry ports facing upward increase water ingress risk.

  • Standard: Entry points must not face upward (GB 50093-2013 §6.1.9).

3.2 Missing Drainage Tee on Conduits

  • Standard: Protective conduits must be installed sloped and include a drain tee (SH/T 3019-2016 §7.3.6).

3.3 No Isolation Seal at Entry Points in Hazardous Zones

  • Standard: Isolation sealing must be provided within 450 mm of all ignition sources (GB 50058-2014 §5.4.3.5).

3.4 Improper Cable Tray Outlet Openings

  • Standard: Mechanical drilling required at side of tray, ideally at 2/3 height; holes must be smooth (SH/3569-2020 §7.1.15).

3.5 Unprotected or Tightly Bent Capillaries

  • Standard: Minimum bending radius ≥ 50mm; must be shielded from rapid temperature changes (GB 50093-2013 §6.1.12).

3.6 Incorrect Air Source Entry

  • Issue: No filter-regulator or incorrect orientation.

  • Standard: Air inlet must have filter and pressure reducer, installed vertically (SH/T 3551-2013 §12.1.5).

3.7 Missing Manual Shut-off Valve with Seal

  • Standard: Pneumatic control lines must include a sealable manual shutoff valve (SH/T 3005-2016 §10.3.6.8).

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